Honorable Dr. Abdel Majeed Haroun

Honorable Dr. Abdel Majeed Haroun is a distinguished agricultural economist and seasoned politician, with a career spanning over four decades in both academic and governmental roles. Born on May 12, 1952, Dr. Haroun is widely recognized for his contributions to agricultural development, economic policy, and public service in Ghana and beyond.

Dr. Haroun holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Development from Wye College, University of London (1992), where he also earned his M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics (1983). He completed his B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture at the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, in 1979. His academic excellence was recognized early in his career, as evidenced by his numerous academic awards, including the Commonwealth Postgraduate Fellowship for both his MSc and PhD studies and the DAAD Students’ Exchange Fellowship Award.
In academia, Dr. Haroun served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi and conducted significant research at institutions such as the Universität Hohenheim in Germany. His research has been pivotal in advancing agricultural practices, particularly in the Savannah ecological zones of West Africa.

Dr. Haroun’s political career is equally illustrious. He has held several key positions in the government of Ghana, including Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Deputy Minister of Mines. His leadership extended to chairing multiple steering committees on national projects, such as the Root Crops Development Project and the Mining Sector Support Project. Dr. Haroun also played a crucial role as a Special Private Advisor to the late Vice President Aliu Mahama, where he was instrumental in advising on economic policies, agricultural development, and international relations.

A pivotal political activist in Northern Ghana, Dr. Haroun has been a New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in several parliamentary elections, demonstrating his deep commitment to the socio-economic development of the region. His role as CEO of the Northern Development Authority further highlights his dedication to advancing the welfare of Northern Ghana, covering a substantial 43% of the country’s landmass.

Dr. Haroun’s expertise in agricultural economics and policy analysis, combined with his experience in managing large-scale development projects, makes him a respected figure in both the academic and political spheres. His leadership and vision continue to influence agricultural and rural development across Africa. As a speaker at the virtual colloquium in honor of General Ibrahim Babangida, Dr. Haroun’s insights and experiences will undoubtedly enrich the discussions, particularly in the areas of development policy and economic transformation.